Along with Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, and English, Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It is used officially across much of Latin America, Spain, and Equatorial Guinea, and Instituto Cervantes estimates that more than 515 million people have native-level command of Spanish. Adding Spanish fluency to your resume can strengthen your profile for roles involving international communication, business, tourism, education, customer service, and cross-cultural work. Research also suggests that learning another language can support memory, attention, and other cognitive skills.
Whatever your reason for studying Spanish, one of the best ways to learn and practice the language is to travel abroad and enroll in a good school that allows you to immerse yourself in Spanish culture, participate in conversations and other social activities, and spend time in Spanish-speaking environments.
Here are a few of the best countries to study Spanish. The list also includes brief insights as to why they are strong options, as well as some institutions that offer Spanish language programs.
Top Countries to Study Spanish
1. Mexico
Mexico has the largest population among Spanish-speaking countries, making it an excellent choice if you want frequent opportunities to practice the language. It is also a popular cultural, gastronomic, and study destination for tourists and students across the globe.
Mexican culture is known for its color and vibrancy. The country offers a fusion of influences from its ancient civilizations and Western cultures. Because Spanish is used widely in everyday life, learners can find many chances to practice outside the classroom. The cost of living and studying in Mexico can also be more affordable than in many other study-abroad destinations.
Because Mexico is among the best countries in the world to study Spanish, several universities and language schools in the country offer Spanish language programs, such as UNAM’s Centro de Enseñanza para Extranjeros, CEPE Polanco, the Colegio de Español y Cultura Mexicana at the University of Guadalajara, and other language centers across the country.
2. Bolivia
Bolivia is also an ideal place to study and practice Spanish because many learners find the Spanish spoken there clear and approachable. Studying in this central South American country will also expose you to its rich and diverse culture, including Spanish influences and the many Indigenous languages and cultures recognized in the country.
Several Spanish schools in Bolivia offer private and group classes at relatively affordable rates. These schools also conduct extracurricular activities that allow students to interact with one another and with local communities to practice their Spanish.
Some good schools to study Spanish in Bolivia include Me Gusta Spanish School, Sucre Spanish School, and IE Spanish Institute.
3. Spain
Spain is one of the most popular study destinations for international students because of the quality of its institutions, historic cities, beaches, nightlife, warm climate, and food. Studying Spanish in the country will allow you to learn more about the origins of the language and appreciate Spain’s dynamic culture.
Spain has numerous language schools that provide basic and advanced Spanish courses, and many are accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, a public institution founded by the Spanish government to promote Spanish language teaching and Hispanic cultures. These schools also offer cultural immersion programs, city tours, and other social activities.
Some well-known schools to study Spanish in Spain include El Carmen Spanish School, AIL Madrid, Taronja Spanish School, Hispania, and FU International Academy Tenerife.
4. Colombia
The Spanish spoken in Colombia, especially in and around Bogotá, is often described by learners as clear and accessible. Pronunciation varies by region, but many students choose Colombia because they find everyday communication easier to follow than in some other destinations.
After Mexico, Colombia has the largest population among countries where Spanish is an official or majority language. Locals are often warm and encouraging toward people who try to communicate with them in Spanish, making Colombia an excellent place to study the language.
Colombia also has an abundance of institutions where foreigners can learn about the Spanish language and culture. Some options include Universidad de La Sabana’s Vive Español program, OLSA International, Viva Languages, and other Spanish schools in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and other cities.
5. Guatemala
Guatemala is another one of the best countries to study Spanish. It is in Central America and attracts travelers for its volcanoes, ancient ruins, historical sites, colonial architecture, and natural beauty. According to the 2018 census, about 43.6% of the population identified as Indigenous, making Guatemala an excellent location for students who would like to study Spanish, go on outdoor adventures, learn about the country’s unique history, and immerse themselves in its diverse culture.
Even with the presence of many Indigenous languages in Guatemala, Spanish is the official and most widely used language. The country also has several institutions that offer Spanish language courses for beginners and advanced learners. Many programs are available to learners of different ages and combine lessons, conversation practice, and other social or immersive activities.
Some Spanish language schools in Guatemala include Academia Escuela de Español Tecun Uman, Escuela de la Montaña, Utatlan Spanish School, Antigüeña Spanish Academy, and Don Pedro de Alvarado Spanish School.
FAQs: Studying Spanish Abroad
Is Spanish in Demand in Europe?
Spanish is useful in Europe, but demand varies by country, industry, and role. English remains the most frequently requested foreign language in European job ads, while German, Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese appear in a smaller share of vacancies. Spanish can be especially valuable for roles connected to Spain, Latin America, tourism, education, customer service, international trade, and multilingual business services.
We hope this article on the best countries to study Spanish was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more!
